Juan Antonio Larrañaga

Larrañaga was born in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. He started playing as a defensive midfielder, being signed by Real Sociedad in 1977 from local CD Lagun Onak. In January 1980 he made his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey, against Navarre neighbours Peña Sport FC. Although he featured sparingly in the 1980–81 season, as Real won the first of their two consecutive La Liga titles, Larrañaga did take the field in the decisive draw at Sporting de Gijón in the last round, and featured in all the matches the following campaign whilst adding two goals. From 1986 to 1992, he only missed a total of two games; after manager John Toshack was appointed, he began playing as a sweeper. On 1 October 2021, his record of 202 consecutive Spanish top tier appearances was eclipsed by Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams in a match against Deportivo Alavés. Larrañaga retired at 36 at the end of 1993–94, having made 460 top-flight appearances (589 overall, only behind teammate Alberto Górriz in Real Sociedad's record books). He was the only member of the league-winning sides to have played at both of the club's grounds: Atotxa and Anoeta.

Larrañaga won one cap for Spain, playing the entire 2–1 friendly defeat to Czechoslovakia on 24 February 1988, in Málaga. He also appeared four times for the under-21 team.

Real Sociedad

La Liga: 1980–81, 1981–82 Copa del Rey: 1986–87 Supercopa de España: 1982 Individual

Don Balón Award: 1987–88